Effect of egg cultivation methods on Salmonella prevalence and the promising prevention strategy: bacteriophage...

In this study, the effect of different cultivation methods of eggs on Salmonella prevalence in Türkiye was investigated and then Salmonella isolates were characterized by phenotypic and genotypic methods. As a prevention strategy, the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy against Salmonella Enteritidis was applied. Among 250 eggs, 17 Salmonella isolates (6.8%) were isolated. Salmonella prevalence on free-range, cage-free and cage eggs were 12%, 10% and 12%, respectively and no Salmonella was detected in organic and village eggs. In our study, regardless of the cultivation methods, Salmonella was found in 5 different brands. As a result of bacteriophage therapy, 2.24 log and 3.64 log Salmonella reductions were observed with 10 MOI and 10³ MOI, respectively. According to results, phage therapy is a promising method to eliminate antimicrobial usage for egg sanitation, but further studies are required for Salmonella eradication.